I condemn the actions of Hamas, and my comments were not in support of firing rockets into Israel. If they gave the opposite impression, I apologise.

However, while I defend the right of Israel to exist and defend itself, I will continue to speak out for the rights of the Palestinian people who are facing untold suffering. More must be done by the world community to end this humanitarian crisis and protect the families living in Gaza. I can understand their plight and desperation.

A cease fire in this conflict is essential. If we are to end the suffering, and establish a safer society for people in Gaza, the first step must be an end to violence on both sides.

The Liberal Democrats have the utmost respect for the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Chronicle, and do not endorse these comments in anyway.
Edward has since removed the tweet and has rightly apologised for his comments.

Liberal Democrat MP David Ward has defended his comments on Twitter yesterday, when he said he would "probably" fire at rocket at Israel if he lived in Gaza, saying he is not condoning violence, ITV Political Correspondent Paul Brand reports.

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Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps has called on Liberal Democrat MP David Ward to withdraw remarks made over the Israel-Gaza conflict, which Labour said was a "vile" comment by a "desperate" MP.

A Liberal Democrat MP was accused of inciting violence and faces a fresh disciplinary investigation after backing Hamas rocket attacks on Israel.

David Ward was suspended by the party for several weeks last year after making a string of controversial comments about Israel and Jews. His future is once again is in doubt after he used social media to give his verdict on the current Israel-Gaza conflict.